The Best Patio Chaise

Buying Guide

You spend a lot of time on the chairs in your house, and chances are you do a lot of different things there. You might eat and work at your kitchen table, watch TV or have heart-to-heart talks on the couch. But when it comes to outdoor furniture, you’re going to be doing one thing and one thing only: Relaxing. That’s why comfort is such a premium concern when you’re buying a patio chaise lounge.

Chaise furniture can come in a lot of different shapes and sizes these days, but most of us have a pretty good idea of the standard configuration. Most often, it’s a long, full-body chair you can lay out and get a suntan in, sometimes with an adjustable reclining back. They may have cushions or not, depending on the material of the frame, and perks like cupholders or canopies are common with more expensive models.

Those without cushions may have a mesh backing or just a flat surface made of the same material as the frame. This might not sound like maximum comfort, but draping a towel down can make a world of difference — and you won’t have to worry as much about wear and tear. If you go with a cushioned chaise, make sure that the material is water-resistant at the very least. Even with the most durable fibers, you may need to do a little maintenance or invest in some chaise covers for rainy nights. Still, it’s a small tradeoff for the plush seating.

What’s more important in the long term is the material of the frame. This is what will really determine how long your chaise lounge will last, and how it will match with the rest of your outdoor decor. Steel chaise furniture might be durable indoors, but it had better be well coated and maintained or it’s liable to rust after the first few bouts of inclement weather. Aluminum frames are one solution that’s nearly as tough, but lighter and less apt to corrode. In both cases, keep that towel handy — metal tends to heat up quickly in the sun.

A more common material is resin, which can be molded into some lovely designs. It also has the advantage of staying relatively cool in the hot sun, and it’s usually inexpensive. It is also lightweight, which can be a liability if high winds kick up.

For looks, there’s nothing quite like teak or other weather-treated wood. Just keep in mind that even the most waterproof wood will need oiling or other periodic treatment. This is definitely the kind of frame you’ll want to cover with cushions and treat it well. If you break it, it won’t be easy to fix, and replacements are likely to be more expensive.

Finally, there are chaise lounges made of Polywood or other recycled plastic materials. These tend to be heavier but can deal with a variety of weather conditions and they are very easy to keep clean.

No matter what style and material you go with, keep one eye on practicality. If you don’t plan to use your chairs all the time, go with collapsible ones. It’s a common perk, and you can even find chaise lounges that will stack for easy storage or roll away on adjustable wheels. Some may require a bit of assembly, so make sure you pay attention during the process. Nothing kills the summer vibe more quickly than a chair that collapses with you in it.

Outdoor furniture should be built for the outdoors, but sometimes weather conditions are going to wear away even the best protection. That goes double for chaise cushions. Even if your cushions are fully waterproof, you may want to bring them inside or cover them in periods of extended rainfall. Chaise cushions may claim to be mildew- and mold-resistant, but that only goes for the material itself. Mildew can grow on dirt, pollen, and other substances that can accumulate on neglected chairs. A little periodic cleaning goes a long way.